Spain has different sides. We like to be in Spain enjoying the kitchen, the way of life, the ‘mañana mañana’ mentality, the sunlight and different landscapes. However we shake our heads when we look at the corruption, the slow bureaucracy and the lack of initiative.

The power of Spain is – though crisis has hit hard – that people stay; enjoying the pleasures of life. A clear example is the ‘Salon de Gourmet’ fair of last week in Madrid. Three halls of small and medium sized entrepreneurs promoting their lovely natural and handy craft products. Full of energy, inspiration, ‘alegría’ and convinced that they will make it in Spain and abroad.

The other side, showing Spain’s weakness, is her introvert government and the corruption scandals that are surfacing daily. Bad governance hinders a lot of small entrepreneurs (pymes), oppressing them with high expenses. In Spain the economy does not improve due to the poor working mentality, fear and lack of initiative. In consequence, backlogs in the modernisation of health care, education and a modern public administration arise. The corruption causes that million of euros disappear into the pockets of a small number of people putting that money on bank accounts abroad. Necessary investments are lacking. Spanish middle class is the real victim. A growing number of people are forced to live on the streets. Politicians promise solutions but are actually part of the problem themselves.

Nevertheless a growing number of citizens, politicians and civil servants protest and are willing to improve public administration. Their motivation: they really care about Spain and her future.

In July 2013 Henk Bruning published his book ‘Integridad y Buen Gobierno’. Since then he conducts interviews with people from local and national government and unions. Also he organizes trainings and seminars to put good governance on the agenda. ‘Poco a poco’ he discovers the cultural resistance but also the opportunities.

He will present his book and talk about good governance at the upcoming Spanjeborrel on tuesday 25th of March. See the program.